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Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman (Image Credit: Twitter)
India coach Ravi Shastri is likely to step down as India coach after the T20 World Cup. Shastri’s contract expires after the showpiece event in UAE and he’s not keen on applying for an extension. As per reports, Shastri has even informed the BCCI about his decision after which the apex body has begun the hunt for the new head coach.
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Rahul Dravid, who coached India during the recently concluded Sri Lanka series, was one of the probables. However, the veteran hinted that he’s not ready to take up the full-time role due to the challenges it poses. Also, he's re-applied for the post of NCA head which rules him out of the contention.
Now some other reports suggest that the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI may ask former India coach Anil Kumble to re-apply for the post. Also, the name of VVS Laxman is doing rounds. Kumble took over the reins of the Indian team in 2016, replacing Shastri after the Cricket Advisory Committee headed by Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly recommended his name to the BCCI.
However, the legendary leg spinner controversially stepped down in 2017 after an alleged fallout with Virat Kohli. It was reported that Virat Kohli was not happy with the strict rules and regulations laid by Kumble during his tenure.
Meanwhile, VVS Laxman has been associated with IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad for a while and is another probable to replace Shastri. However, if Kumble gives his nod for coaching India, he’s likely to get the role ahead of anyone.
"Anil Kumble's exit needs course correction. The manner in which the CoA (Committee of Administrators ) succumbed to the pressure of Kohli and removed him, wasn't the best example set. However, it also depends on whether Kumble or Laxman are ready to apply for the job," a senior BCCI source was quoted by onmanorama
When asked if current batting coach Vikram Rathour is in contention for the role, the BCCI source said that Rathour can apply but he doesn’t have the stature to become the Indian coach as BCCI is always keen on hiring reputed names.